Manifold assembly for a water filter system

ABSTRACT

An all-in-one manifold assembly is fabricated separately from and coupled to a pressure vessel of a water filter system. The manifold assembly includes two valve assemblies configured to be rotated between an operational position, a by-pass position and a shut-off position. Rotation of the valve assemblies can occur by manual or automatic rotation. The manifold assembly may further include ports for one or more sensors. A controller can smartly operate the manifold assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/804,051, filed Feb. 11, 2019, entitled FILTRATIONSYSTEM, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to water filter systems. Moreparticularly, the disclosure relates to a manifold assembly for a wholehouse Point of Entry (POE) water filter system.

BACKGROUND

A whole house water filter system is a system capable of filtering allthe water that enters a house from an external water network. Thesesystems are also called Point of Entry (POE) systems because the waterfilters are usually installed before the water reaches the water heater,thus filtering both the cold and warm water in the house. The filteredwater is then delivered to the faucets and other fixtures in thekitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, and the rest of the house.

SUMMARY

Pressure vessels for housing the filters of a POE system typically havea manifold section with molded ports for directing water from theexternal water network through the filter. Thus, if the manifold sectionbecomes damaged, the entire pressure vessel needs to be replaced. Suchmolded-in configurations of the manifold can also make access to thefilters inside the pressure vessel cumbersome and difficult.Furthermore, it is desirable for the manifold to have a shut-offcapability so that water can be shut off from the pressure vessel formaintenance of the water filter system. Preferably, the shut offoperation by the manifold maybe selectively manually or automaticallyperformed. It is also desirable to include the ability to bypass thefilter system during activities such as irrigation.

Described herein is an all-in-one manifold assembly which is fabricatedseparately from and coupled to a pressure vessel of a water filtersystem. The manifold assembly can be maintained or replaced separatelyfrom the pressure vessel such that, if the manifold assembly is damaged,the entire pressure vessel does not need to be replaced. The manifoldassembly advantageously includes a bypass, shut off and normaloperational setting. One or more sensors may be included in the manifoldfor measuring, for example, the flow, pressure, temperature, and/orturbidity of the water in the water filter system. The manifold assemblycan be attached by pushing the manifold housing into ports of thepressure vessel and installing fasteners, making for easy installation,maintenance and replacement of the manifold assembly.

Further examples of the manifold assembly of this disclosure may includeone or more of the following, in any suitable combination.

In one embodiment, the subject technology is directed to a manifoldassembly for a water filter system. The manifold assembly includes ahousing defining an internal passageway extending between an externalinlet, an external outlet, an internal inlet and an internal outlet. Theinternal passageway also defines at least one valve port. In a preferredembodiment, the internal passageway defines two valve ports. At leastone motor assembly mounts in the housing. The at least one motorassembly has a rotatable gear. At least one shut-off valve assemblymounts in the at least one valve port. Preferably, a shut-off valveassembly mounts in each valve port with a corresponding motor assembly.Each shut-off valve assembly includes a valve stem portion, a valve gearslideably coupled to the valve stem portion, and a knob coupled to thevalve gear so that manual movement of the knob moves the valve gearalong the valve stem portion to select between automatic and manualmodes. In the automatic mode, the valve gear(s) engages the rotatablegear(s) so that the at least one motor assembly selectively rotates thevalve stem portion between a normal operating position, a bypassposition, and a shut-off position. In the manual mode, the valve gear(s)is disengaged from the rotatable gear(s) so that rotating the knob canbe used to manually rotate the valve stem portion between the normaloperating position, the bypass position, and the shut-off position.

The knob may include indicia so that a user can visually determine theposition of the shut-off valve assembly. The valve gear preferably has acentral large diameter portion with outer teeth. A proximal end stemextends from the central large diameter portion. A distal portionextends from the central portion for coupling to the valve stem portion.The distal portion includes a cylindrical sidewall defining a centralbore and having at least one radially inward finger. The valve stemportion includes a proximal stem slideably fit in the central bore ofthe lower portion of the valve gear and defining at least one slot,preferably four slots, one slot each for capturing one of the radiallyinward fingers so that rotational orientation of the valve stem portionwith respect to the valve gear and knob does not change when either ofthe valve gear or knob are rotated. At least one of the slots defines aproximal or upper detent and a distal or lower detent so that a user canfeel the finger pop in and out of the detents to set the automatic modewhen the finger is in the distal or lower detent and the manual modewhen the at least one finger is in the proximal or upper detent. Thevalve stem portion may include a distal four-sided body with three sideseach defining an opening and a fourth side being blocked. The manifoldassembly also includes a controller for using the at least one motorassembly to change a position of the at least one shut-off valveassembly based upon user input from a control pad or wireless device.The manifold assembly can form one or more valve port for housingvarious sensors and additional devices such as a flow sensor.

In another embodiment, the subject technology is directed to a manifoldassembly for a water filter system having a housing defining an internalpassageway extending between an external inlet, an external outlet, aninternal inlet and an internal outlet. The internal passageway definestwo valve port. Two motor assemblies mount in the housing. A shut-offvalve assembly mounts in each valve port. The shut-off valve assemblycan be set in an automatic or a manual mode. In the automatic mode, themotor assemblies selectively rotate the shut-off valve assembliesbetween a normal operating position, a bypass position, and a shut-offposition. In the manual mode, the motor assemblies disengage from theshut-off assemblies for manual rotation between the normal operatingposition, the bypass position, and the shut-off position.

In one embodiment, the POE system includes an integral controller with agraphical user interface display. The controller has a processor andmemory for controlling operation of the manifold and other features asdescribed herein. Preferably, the controller can communicate via WiFiand/or cellular as well as other similar technologies to provide updatesand reminders among other features.

These and other features and advantages will be apparent from a readingof the following detailed description and a review of the associateddrawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of aspects as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be more fully understood by reference to thedetailed description, in conjunction with the following figures,wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a water filter system with a manifoldassembly in accordance with the subject technology;

FIG. 1B is a side view of a water filter system with a manifold assemblyin accordance with the subject technology;

FIG. 1C is a top view of a water filter system with the manifoldassembly in accordance with the subject technology;

FIG. 1D is a rear perspective view of a water filter system with themanifold assembly removed in accordance with the subject technology;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a manifold assembly in accordance withthe subject technology;

FIGS. 3A-K illustrate a series of assembly steps for a manifoldassembly, in accordance with the subject technology.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional views of the manifold assembly in anautomatic mode and operational position in accordance with the subjecttechnology;

FIGS. 4B and 4C are more detailed partial cross-sectional views of themanifold assembly in an automatic mode and a manual mode, respectively,in accordance with the subject technology; and

FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective, side and cross-sectional views,respectively, of a shut off valve assembly for the manifold assembly ofFIG. 2 in accordance with the subject technology;

FIG. 5D is a perspective view of a gear portion of a shut off valveassembly of FIGS. 5A-5C in accordance with the subject technology;

FIG. 5E is a perspective view of a valve portion of the shut off valveassembly of FIGS. 5A-5C in accordance with the subject technology; and

FIGS. 6A-C schematically illustrate shut-off, bypass and operatingmodes, respectively, of the manifold assembly, in accordance with thesubject technology.

FIG. 7 is one possible controller touch screen display, in accordancewith the subject technology.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a bottom perspective view of another manifoldassembly, in accordance with the subject technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the description that follows, like components have been given thesame reference numerals, regardless of whether they are shown indifferent examples. To illustrate example(s) in a clear and concisemanner, the drawings may not necessarily be to scale and certainfeatures may be shown in somewhat schematic form. Features that aredescribed and/or illustrated with respect to one example may be used inthe same way or in a similar way in one or more other examples and/or incombination with or instead of the features of the other examples.

As used in the specification and claims, for the purposes of describingand defining the subject technology, the terms “about” and“substantially” are used to represent the inherent degree of uncertaintythat may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value,measurement, or other representation. The terms “about” and“substantially” are also used herein to represent the degree by which aquantitative representation may vary from a stated reference withoutresulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter atissue. “Comprise,” “include,” and/or plural forms of each are open endedand include the listed parts and can include additional parts that arenot listed. “And/or” is open-ended and includes one or more of thelisted parts and combinations of the listed parts. Use of the terms“top,” “bottom,” “underside,” “beneath” and the like is intended only tohelp in the clear description of the present disclosure and are notintended to limit the structure, positioning and/or operation of thewater filter system or manifold in any manner.

For a better understanding of the present disclosure, reference is madeto FIGS. 1A-D which illustrate a whole house POE water filter system 100for use with a manifold assembly 200 of the present disclosure. Thewater filter system 100 includes a cylindrical pressure vessel 106 whichis stabilized in an upright position by a base 102. The cylindricalpressure vessel 106 is wrapped in a stainless steel cover 101. A topcover 110 provides access to one or more filter cartridges (not shown)in the interior of the pressure vessel 106. The water filter system 100includes a lower fitting 103 as a drain port.

The top cover 110 includes a touch screen controller 111. Preferably,the controller 111 not only displays information but provides control ofthe manifold assembly 200. In one embodiment, the controller 111includes a touch screen integrated with the top cover 110. Theelectronics for the controller 111 may be housed remotely or under thetop cover 110. The controller 111 may communicate through wired and/orwireless channels.

A top portion 104 of the system 100 includes a cover hinge 114 thatsupports the top cover 110. The top portion 104 defines an inlet port109 a and an outlet port 109 b in fluid communication with the filtercartridge (not shown) disposed inside the pressure vessel 106. The ports109 a, 109 b are configured to connect to internal ports 210 a, 201 b ofthe manifold assembly 200, as further described below. Projections 112(FIG. 1D) extend from the pressure vessel 106 on either side of theports 109 a, 109 b for securing the manifold assembly 200 to the system100. A vertical frame 108 extends between the top housing portion 104and the base 102. The vertical frame 108 may create the cover 101 from asheet of stainless steel and provide support for the manifold assembly200.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the manifold assembly 200 of this disclosure foruse with the water filter system 100 is shown in isolated perspectiveview. The manifold assembly 200 comprises a housing 204 having a curvedsurface 208 extending between two sides 216 of the housing 204 forfitting to the cylindrical outer surface of the pressure vessel 106. Thecurved surface 208 of the manifold assembly 200 includes an internaloutlet port 210 a and an internal inlet port 210 b configured to beinserted into the corresponding ports 109 a, 109 b of the pressurevessel 106. When assembled together as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, themanifold assembly 200 is secured in place by fasteners (not shown)passed through the projections 112 into threaded bores 278 (see FIG. 3A)formed in the housing 204. A vertical slot 212 extends through thecurved surface 208 between the ports 210 a, 210 b. The housing 204 has atop portion 205 and a bottom housing portion 207.

As best seen in FIG. 1B, the manifold assembly 200 is inserted againstthe inner pressure vessel 106 on the top housing portion 104 between theframe 108 and cover hinge 114. In another embodiment, the manifoldassembly 200 is inserted against the inner pressure vessel 106 on thetop housing portion 104 such that the vertical slot 212 can receive theframe 108 of the pressure vessel 106 for rotational stability. Inanother alternative embodiment, the vertical slot 212 receives the frame108 and/or the hinge 114 for rotational stability.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the manifold assembly 200 includes anexternal inlet port 222 a and an external outlet port 222 b, each ofwhich has fittings 224 for connection to the external water network. Themanifold assembly 200 also includes two shut-off valve assemblies 300 a,300 b that function in three modes of operation: normal; bypass; andshut off. In normal mode, the incoming water is filtered. In bypassmode, the water passes through the manifold assembly 200 withoutfiltering. In shut off mode, incoming water is blocked for maintenanceof the filter and the like. The shut-off valve assemblies 300 a, 300 binclude knobs 302 a, 302 b for manual operation. Additionally, theshut-off valve assemblies 300 a, 300 b can be operated automatically bythe controller 111 as described below.

FIGS. 3A-K illustrate a series of steps for assembly of the manifoldassembly 200 in accordance with the subject technology. Referring nowparticularly to FIGS. 3A and 3B, bottom perspective views of the bottomportion 207 of the housing 204 are shown. The bottom housing portion 207of the housing 204 forms an internal passageway 223 between the inletport 222 a and the outlet port 222 b. The internal ports 210 a, 210 bare also in fluid communication with the internal passageway 223. Theinternal passageway 223 includes two vertical valve ports 220 a, 220 band two vertical sensor ports 221 a, 221 b.

The inlet valve port 220 a is in fluid communication with inlet port 222a via the sensor port 221 a. The inlet valve port 220 a is also in fluidcommunication with the internal outlet port 210 a. Similarly, the outletvalve port 220 b is in fluid communication with the internal inlet port210 b as well as the outlet port 222 b via the sensor port 221 b. Thepassageway 223 also extends between the two vertical valve ports 220 a,220 b. The valve ports 220 a, 220 b each hold a shut-off valve assembly300 (see FIGS. 3C, 3E, 3F, 5A, and 5B) for selectively opening andclosing sections of the internal passageway 223. For example, in anoperational position, water from the water network is configured toflow, for example, from external inlet port 222 a to sensor port 221 ato valve port 220 a to outlet port 210 a into the pressure vessel 106,and return after filtering through the internal inlet port 210 b tovalve port 220 b to sensor port 221 b to external outlet port 222 b intothe water network. The sensor ports 221 a, 221 b can hold flow,pressure, temperature, turbidity and/or other sensors for monitoringfluid in the internal passageway 223.

In the assembly step of FIGS. 3A and 3B, caps 232 are inserted toenclose the valve ports 220 a, 220 b of the manifold assembly 200.Sensor port caps 234 a, 234 b are also inserted into the sensor ports221 a, 221 b. Various sensors or other devices (not shown) are insertedinto the sensor ports 221 a, 221 b via the caps 234 and communicatesignals to the controller. Alternatively, one or both sensor ports 221a, 221 b may simply be unused and capped to seal and maintain theinternal passageway 223 in a fluid tight manner.

In the assembly step of FIGS. 3C and 3D, upper perspective views of thebottom portion 207 of the housing 204 are shown. The fittings 224 areinserted into the external ports 222 a, 222 b and held in place withretainer clips 236. In this embodiment, a blank port plug 238 isinserted into the unused port 221 a. A flow sensor 240 is secured withinthe flow sensor port 221 b with a lock nut 244. The flow sensor 240 maybe wired to or wirelessly send signals to the controller.

Assembly of the shut-off valve assemblies 300 a, 300 b in each valveport 220 a, 220 b is also shown in FIGS. 3C-3I. Prior to describingFIGS. 3C-3I in detail, it is proper to turn to FIGS. 5A-5E for adescription of a shut-off valve assembly 300 because review now of thestructure of the shut-off valve assembly 300 will facilitateunderstanding when the narrative returns to the assembly drawings. Oneof the shut-off valve assemblies 300 for insertion into a valve port 220a, 220 b of the manifold assembly 200 is illustrated in a perspectiveview, side and cross-sectional view, respectively if FIGS. 5A-5C,respectively. Each valve assembly 300 includes a knob 302 coupled to avalve gear 305. A perspective view of the valve gear 305 is shown inFIG. 5D. The valve gear 305 slideably couples to a valve stem portion304, which is shown in isolation in FIG. 5E.

The knob 302 has a central hole 340 for receiving a fastener 339. Theknob's undulating outer circumference 342 makes for easy gripping by theuser to pull and turn the shut-off valve assembly 300. Indicia 343 isprovided on the knob 302 that may include instructions and/ororientation markings so the user can visually determine the setting ofthe shut-off valve assembly 300.

The valve gear 305 includes a central large diameter portion 306 havingouter teeth 308. A top end stem 350 extends upward from the centrallarge diameter portion 306. The top end stem 350 has a threaded centralbore 351 for receiving the screw 339 to couple the valve gear 305 andknob 302 together. A lower or distal portion 354 extends downward fromthe central portion 305. The lower portion 354 couples to the valve stemportion 304. The lower portion 354 is a largely cylindrical sidewall 355that defines a central bore 356. The sidewall 355 also defines anannular flexure slot 357 (see FIG. 5C) so that four radially inwardfingers 358 can deflect outward.

Referring now to FIG. 5E, a top perspective view of the valve stemportion 304 is shown in isolation. The valve stem portion 304 includes atop stem 360 sized to slideably fit in the central bore 356 of the lowerportion 354 of the valve gear 305. The top stem 360 approximates aquatrefoil in cross-section by having two sets of equally spacedopposing slots 362 a, 362 b. The top stem 360 also has a sealing ring361.

One set of slots 362 a are guide slots for capturing two opposingdeflectable fingers 358. The fingers 358 are sized and configured to becaptured in the guide slots 362 a so that the rotational orientation ofthe valve stem portion 304 with respect to the valve gear 305 and knob302 does not change when either of the valve gear 305 or knob 302 arerotated. Additionally, when the knob 302 is pulled upward or pusheddownward, the guide slots 362 a and fingers 358 again prevent relativerotation of the components of the shut-off valve assembly 300.

The other set of slots 362 b also serve as guide slots for capturing twoopposing deflectable fingers 358. However, the detent slots 362 b areshallower to normally deflect the fingers 358 radially outward. Eachdetent slot 362 b forms an upper detent 365 and a lower detent 366. Thedetents 365, 366 are radially inward depressions that capture thedeflectable fingers 358. When in the detents 365, 366, the fingers 358are undeflected. By pushing and pulling the knob 302, the user can feelthe fingers 358 pop in and out of the detents 365, 366 to set a desiredoperational position of the shut-off valve assembly 300 as describedfurther below.

Still referring to FIGS. 5A-5E, the top stem 360 is attached to afour-sided body 310. Three sides 311 of the body 310 define an opening312, each one of the openings 312 is in fluid communication with theother two openings 312. The openings 312 are sized and configured toapproximately match the internal passageway 223 of the manifold assembly200. The fourth side 314 of the body 310 is blocked.

Referring again to FIGS. 3C and 3D, initial assembly of the shut-offvalve assemblies 300 in the manifold assembly 200 is shown. Each valvestem portion 304 is inserted into the respective valve port 220 a, 220 bso that the openings 312 of the four-sided body 310 aligns with theinternal passageway 223. A valve retaining nut assembly 322 slides overthe stem 360 and threads into the respective valve port 220 a, 220 b toprevent or limit upward motion of the valve stem portion 304. The valveretaining nut assembly 322 also seals the valve ports 220 a, 220 b ofthe manifold assembly 200 so that fluid does not leak from the internalpassageway 223.

In the next assembly step of FIGS. 3E and 3F, the valve gear 305 iscoupled to the valve stem portion 304 of each valve assembly 300 withthe deflectable fingers 358 in the slots 362 a, 362 b. Unlike the body310, the valve gear 305 is free to move up and down on the stem 360 sothat the fingers 358 can be positioned in either the upper detent 365 orthe lower detent 366.

In the next assembly step of FIGS. 3G and 3H, perspective undersideviews of the top portion 205 of the housing 204 are shown. Motorassemblies 502 are mounted in the top portion 205 with screws 250 inmounting holes 251. Preferably, the screws 250 carry washers 253. Themotor assemblies 502 communicate with and are driven by the controller.Each motor assembly 502 drives a motor gear 504 that selectivelyinteracts with the teeth 308 of the valve gear 305 when the fingers 358are in the lower detent 366. The motor gear 504 rotates about a pin 255secured in a pivot hole 257 of the top portion 205.

In the next assembly step of FIG. 31, a partially exploded view of themanifold assembly 300 is shown. With the motor assemblies 502 secured inplace, the top portion 205 is fastened to the bottom housing portion 207with fasteners 260 such that the valve stems 304 extend through stemopenings 252 in the top portion 205. The knobs 302 are then mounted oneach valve portion 304 with fasteners 339 to complete the manifoldassembly 300 as shown in FIG. 2.

In a final assembly step of FIGS. 3J and 3K, a mounting bracket 219 isattached to threaded shoulders 337 of the bottom housing portion 307 ofthe manifold assembly 200 with fasteners 331. The mounting bracket 219has slots 332 so that a vertical portion 333 may be set flush against anadjacent surface (not shown). Additional holes may be drilled in thevertical portion 333 to receive fasteners (not shown) so that themanifold assembly 200 and, in turn, the POE system can be secured inplace with reduced likelihood of being inadvertently knocked over. It isenvisioned that the controller, sensor(s), and/or motor assemblies 502have wiring (not shown) extending from the bottom housing portion 307for power and the like. The mounting bracket 219 secures the waterfilter system 100 to a wall or other support structure. The manifoldassembly 200 receives power and/or other electrical signals from wiring(not shown) or may run on battery power.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, the manifold assembly 200 is shown incross-section fully assembled. The manifold assembly 200 may be operatedin two different modes: automatic mode; and manual mode. Also referringto FIGS. 4B and 4C, cross-sectional views of a portion of the manifoldassembly 200 are shown in automatic mode and manual mode, respectively.Advantageously, each valve assembly 300 in the manifold assembly 200saves on cost and complexity by being interchangeable. The knobs 302 areused to switch between the manual and automatic modes of operation.

In the automatic mode of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the motor assembly 502 mayreceive control signals from the controller 111. Based upon certaincircumstances, the controller 111 may automatically switch the manifoldassembly 200 between the modes of FIGS. 6A-C as described below. As canbe seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the motor gear 504 is engaged with the teeth308 of the gear portion 305. Thus, when the controller drives the motorgear 504, the gear portion 305 turns. As a result, the valve portion 304turns to the desired position. Sensors may also be used to verify properpositioning of the valve portion 304.

The user can verify that the manifold assembly 200 is in the automaticposition by pushing down on the shut-off valve assembly 300. When theknob 302 is pushed downward by the user, the valve gear 305 movesdownward so that the deflectable fingers 358 come to rest in the lowerdetent 366. This aligns the outer teeth 308 of the valve gear 305 toengage the corresponding teeth 504 on the motor gear 506. Althoughdownward movement of the knob 302 is limited by a top portion 205 of themanifold assembly 200, the deflectable fingers 358 of the valve gear 305popping into the lower detent 366 on the valve stem portion 304 providetactile feel to the user to communicate that the knob 302 is properly inthe automatic mode position.

However, as shown in FIG. 4C, if the knob 302 is pulled upward by theuser, the respective valve assembly 300 is put into a manual mode suchthat manual rotation of the knob 302 controls the position of the valveassembly 300. As noted above, indicia 343 may be provided on the knob302 and/or the top portion 205 so that the user can visually set theposition of the knob 302. When the knob 302 is pulled upward, thefingers 358 deflect out of the lower detent 366 on the valve stemportion 304 and slide upward in the slots 362 a, 362 b until the fingers358 engage the upper detent 365 on the valve stem portion 304. The valvegear 305 moves up into a raised portion 209 of the top portion 205,which provides a hard stop to the central portion 306 but the user getsa tactile response when the fingers 358 engage the upper detent 365 toindicate the desired manual position. In either case, the outer teeth308 of the valve gear 305 rise above and disengage from the teeth 504 ofthe motor gear 506. Thus, the position of the valve assembly 300 issolely controlled by manual rotation of the knob 302 so that the knob302 can be manually rotated to a desired position.

To return to the automatic mode, the knob 302 is simply pushed downwardso that the deflectable fingers 358 ride down the slots 362 a, 362 b andre-engage the lower detents 366 and, thus, the valve gear 305 lowers tobecome re-engaged with the motor gear 506. A sensor, such as a HallEffect sensor, may be used as feedback, or internal sensors on the motorassembly 502 can be used to properly align and/or verify that theshut-off valve assemblies 300 are in the proper automatic mode and/ormanual operation position.

When the valve assemblies 300 are inserted into the valve ports 220 a,220 b of the manifold assembly 200, the manifold assembly 200 can be setto three different positions, as shown schematically in FIGS. 6A-C. Asshown in FIG. 6A, the manifold assembly 200 is in a shutoff position, inwhich the blocked portions 314 of the body 310 of the valve assemblies300 are rotated within the valve ports 220 a, 220 b to face the externalports 222 a, 222 b. As a result, the flowpath from the water networkinto or out of the manifold assembly 200 is blocked. The shutoffposition is useful for maintenance of the filter and like maintenanceoperations. It is noted that only facing the blocked portion 314 of thebody 310 in valve portion 220 a to the external inlet 222 a may be usedto shut off flow.

In the bypass position, shown in FIG. 6B, the blocked portions 314 ofthe valve assemblies 300 are rotated within the valve ports 220 a, 220 bto face the internal ports 210 a, 210 b. Thus, water can flow from thewater network through the external port 222 a and through the internalpassageway 223, including the valve ports 220 a, 220 b, and out of theexternal port 222 b, while being prevented from flowing into or out ofthe pressure vessel 106 through the internal ports 210 a, 210 b.Advantageously, the bypass position effectively allows taking the filteroffline without otherwise interfering with water flow in the house waternetwork.

In the normal operational position, shown in FIG. 6C, the blockedportions 314 of the valve assemblies 300 are rotated within the valveports 220 a, 220 b to face each other. Thus, water flows into inlet port222 a through the first body 310 of the valve assembly 300 to pass outthe internal outlet port 210 a into the pressure vessel 106 forfiltering. After passing through the filter, the filtered waterre-enters the internal passageway 223 via the internal inlet port 210 band passes through two openings 312 of the body 310 of the second valveassembly 300 in valve port 220 b. Then, the filtered water exits viaoutlet port 222 b into the house water network.

In an alternative embodiment, the manifold assembly 200 does not includedetents to set the automatic and manual modes. Instead, a bias springsurrounds the top end stem 350 and is compressed between the centrallarge diameter portion 306 and the top portion 209 of the housing 204.As a result, the spring biases the valve gear 305 downward into theautomatic mode. To operate in manual mode, the user must pull up on theknob 302 to overcome the bias spring and disengage the central largediameter portion 306 from the motor assembly 502, then the knob 302 canbe rotated. When the knob 302 is released, the spring force presses thevalve gear 305 downward again into engagement with the motor assembly502.

Referring now to FIG. 7, touch screen display 700 of the controller 111is shown. It is envisioned that similar displays as available on thecontroller 111 may be presented on a mobile device in communication withthe controller 111 to accomplish identical functionality. As notedabove, the controller 111 may be integral with the top cover 110(FIG. 1) with a touch screen for displaying information and receivinguser input. The controller is preferably able to present a plurality ofdifferent displays or graphical pages by navigating through a menudriven display and the like. The controller 111 may also process signalsfrom sensors and/or receive input wirelessly from a linked smart phonerunning a specific application.

In the display 700, the date and time are shown in a top area 702. Theupper left hand corner 704 includes a settings icon 704 for accessing aseries of settings for configuration of the controller 111. The corner704 also has a cellular connectivity icon 708 and a wireless WiFi icon710. A title area 712 provides headline information regarding thedisplay. In this case, the “Leak Sensor” page is shown. The display 700also includes a home icon 714 for accessing a plurality of various pagesand displays as needed to review and direct operation of the controller111.

Another area 716 shows the status of the leak sensor monitoring, in thiscase as “on.” The leak sensors may be in the base 102 or at the bottomof the pressure vessel 106 (see FIG. 1) as well as other places such asthe water heat, sump pump, one or more sinks, toilet areas and the likewhere undesired water leakage may occur. The leak sensors can be puckshaped devices that connect to the controller 111, whether wired orwirelessly. The leak sensor send a signal for actuating the manifoldassembly 200 for automatic closing of the water supply (e.g., theshutoff position) in the event of a leak.

By using the controller 111, the user can pair a plurality of leadsensors and give each sensor a name as shown on the display 700 in area718. Each sensor is depicted with the respective name, coloration toindicate status (e.g., blue as active and normal operation), and abattery life indication if relevant. The display 700 can change thecolor (e.g., red to indicate an error condition) or otherwise (e.g.,flashing indicates error) indicate the leak sensor that generated theleak signal. Once the error condition is remedied, the controller touchscreen can be used to select the “Reset Sensor” button 720.

Another exemplary sensor would be a RFID sensor to read a RFID tag onthe replacement filter cartridges. By collecting information regardingthe filter cartridge associated with the RFID tag, the controller 111can verify a proper filter is being used as well as check inventory toprevent fraud. For example, the controller 111 can read a serial orinventory number that is checked against a master list accessed by thecloud.

Still another sensor may be a flow sensor for monitoring the amount ofwater having passed through the filter. Based on a predeterminedthreshold, such as 100,000 gallons of use, the controller 111 mayprovide a text reminder to the cell phone of the homeowner regarding theneed to change to the filter. The controller 111 may also display ascreen indicating that the remaining filter life as well as provideupdates and reminders to the homeowner regarding such maintenance.

The controller 111 may communicate with an irrigation system. Thus,based on a signal from the irrigation system, the controller 111 mayswitch the manifold 200 into the bypass position during watering of thelawn to conserve filter life. After completion of the irrigation cycle,the controller 111 returns the manifold 200 to the normal position.Alternatively, the controller 111 may include a time clock synchronizedto the irrigation system. By being synchronized with the irrigationsystem, the controller 111 may simply switch to the bypass positionduring the watering times based upon accessing the stored watering timedata. Further, the controller 111 may incorporate irrigation control sothat not only is the manifold 200 controlled by the controller 111, butthe irrigation components as well. Such usage may be accessed via menuof the touch screen display or via a software application on a smartdevice such as a laptop, tablet and cell phone.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, bottom perspective views of anothermanifold 800 are shown. Similar elements to those described inconnection with above-described embodiments are indicated with the likereference numbers. Many elements are essentially the same as those ofthe foregoing embodiments and, thus, are not further described herein.The following discussion is directed to the primary differences.

The bottom portion 807 of the housing 804 includes sensor retainers 834a, 834 b and valve retainers 832 a, 832 b. The valve retainers 832 a,832 b include indicia to help with proper orientation during assembly. Aflat cover 839 seals the bottom portion 807 and holds the retainers 832a, 832 b, 834 a, 834 b in place. The flat cover 839 is attached usingfasteners 841. The flat cover 839 includes mounting holes 843 forattaching the mounting bracket (not shown) that secures the water filtersystem 100 to a wall or other support structure.

While the disclosure has been particularly shown and described withreferences to preferred examples thereof, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentapplication as defined by the appended claims. Such variations areintended to be covered by the scope of this present application. Assuch, the foregoing description of examples of the present applicationis not intended to be limiting, the full scope rather being conveyed bythe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A manifold assembly for a water filter system,the manifold assembly comprising: a housing defining an internalpassageway extending between an external inlet, an external outlet, aninternal inlet and an internal outlet, wherein the internal passagewaydefines at least one valve port; at least one motor assembly mounted inthe housing, the at least one motor assembly having a rotatable gear;and at least one shut-off valve assembly mounted in the at least onevalve port, the at least one shut-off valve assembly including: a valvestem portion; a valve gear slideably coupled to the valve stem portion;and a knob coupled to the valve gear so that manual movement of the knobmoves the valve gear along the valve stem portion to select betweenautomatic and manual modes, wherein, in the automatic mode, the valvegear engages the rotatable gear so that the at least one motor assemblyselectively rotates the valve stem portion between a normal operatingposition, a bypass position, and a shut-off position, and in the manualmode, the valve gear is disengaged from the rotatable gear so thatrotating the knob rotates the valve stem portion between the normaloperating position, the bypass position, and the shut-off position.
 2. Amanifold assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the knob includesindicia so that a user can visually determine the position of theshut-off valve assembly.
 3. A manifold assembly as recited in claim 1,wherein the valve gear includes: a central large diameter portion havingouter teeth; a proximal end stem extending from the central largediameter portion; and a distal portion extending from the centralportion for coupling to the valve stem portion, wherein the distalportion includes a cylindrical sidewall having at least one radiallyinward finger, the cylindrical sidewall defining a central bore, and thevalve stem portion includes a proximal stem slideably fit in the centralbore of the lower portion of the valve gear and defining at least oneslot for capturing the at least one radially inward finger so thatrotational orientation of the valve stem portion with respect to thevalve gear and knob does not change when either of the valve gear orknob are rotated.
 4. A manifold assembly as recited in claim 3, whereinthe at least one slot defines a proximal detent and a distal detent sothat a user can feel the at least one finger pop in and out of thedetents to set the automatic mode when the at least one finger is in thedistal detent and the manual mode when the at least one finger is in theproximal detent.
 5. A manifold assembly as recited in claim 3, whereinthe valve stem portion includes a distal four-sided body with threesides each defining an opening and a fourth side being blocked.
 6. Amanifold assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising a controllerfor using the at least one motor assembly to change a position of the atleast one shut-off valve assembly based upon user input.
 7. A manifoldassembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one valve portincludes a second valve port and further comprising a flow sensormounted in the second valve port.
 8. A manifold assembly for a waterfilter system, the manifold assembly comprising: a housing having amating surface extending between opposing sides of the housing, themating surface for fitting to an outer surface of a pressure vessel of awater filter system, wherein the housing defines an internal passageway;an internal inlet port and an internal outlet port extending from themating surface for attaching to corresponding ports of the pressurevessel, wherein the internal inlet port and the internal outlet portform a portion of the internal passageway; first and second valve portassemblies disposed partially inside the housing in fluid communicationinternal passageway; and an external inlet port and an external outletport extending from the opposing sides of the housing, respectively, forconnecting to an external water network, wherein the external inlet portand the external outlet port form a portion of the internal passageway;wherein: in an operational position, the first valve port assembly isaligned for fluid flow only from the external inlet port to the internalexit port and the second valve port assembly is aligned for fluid flowonly from the internal inlet port to the external outlet port; in abypass position, the first valve port assembly is aligned for fluid flowonly from the external inlet port to the second valve port assembly andthe second valve assembly is aligned for fluid flow only from the firstvalve port assembly to the external outlet port; and in a shut-offposition, the first valve port assembly is aligned to block fluid flowfrom the external inlet port.
 9. The manifold assembly of claim 8,wherein each of the first and second valve port assemblies comprise: astem portion having a first end and a second end; a knob coupled to thefirst end of the stem portion; an upper gear portion and a lower gearportion disposed about the stem portion, the upper gear portionincluding a gear having external teeth; and a body portion attached tothe second end of the stem portion, the body portion having four sides,three of the four sides comprising an opening, each opening in fluidcommunication with another two openings of the body portion, a fourthside of the body portion being a blocked side.
 10. The manifold assemblyof claim 9, wherein an internal surface of the lower gear portioncomprises a flexible finger for selectively engaging an upper detent anda lower detent on a surface of the stem portion and when the valveassembly is rotated by manual activation, the flexible finger engagesthe lower detent and wherein, when the valve assembly is rotated byautomatic activation, the flexible finger engages the upper detent. 11.The manifold assembly of claim 8, wherein the first and second valveport assemblies are configured to be rotated by manual or automaticactivation.
 12. The manifold assembly of claim 8, wherein the first andsecond valve assemblies are configured to be rotated between theshut-off position, the bypass position and the operational position. 13.The manifold assembly of claim 8, further comprising one or more sensorports for insertion of a sensor, wherein the sensor is selected from thegroup comprising: a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperaturesensor, a turbidity sensor, a leak sensor, and combinations thereof 14.A manifold assembly for a water filter system, the manifold assemblycomprising: a housing defining an internal passageway extending betweenan external inlet, an external outlet, an internal inlet and an internaloutlet, wherein the internal passageway defines at least one valve port;at least one motor assembly mounted in the housing; and at least oneshut-off valve assembly mounted in the at least one valve port, the atleast one shut-off valve assembly operable to be set in an automatic ora manual mode, wherein, in the automatic mode, the at least one motorassembly selectively rotates the at least one shut-off valve assemblybetween a normal operating position, a bypass position, and a shut-offposition, and in the manual mode, the at least one motor assembly isdisengaged from the at least one shut-off assembly for manual rotationbetween the normal operating position, the bypass position, and theshut-off position.